Ravenwood and Quor develop in-line label verification and reporting

Ravenwood Packaging and Quor have partnered to develop an integrated label inspection technology combining Ravenwood’s Vision system along with Quor’s paperless reporting to provide brand owners and retailers with a new technology ensuring accuracy and quality of food labelling.

Quor’s paperless quality management system can digitize all operational data for enabling collaboration between its operators and the Ravenwood Vision system. The Vision checks for the correct label, its orientation and position, including analyzing printed data such as use-by dates, barcodes (including 2D) and flash labels.

With top and bottom cameras in place for pack and label inspections, in-line checks are performed without interruptions. Any non-conforming packs are rejected into a lockable bin with reject verification provided as standard.

Quor’s automated data capture maximizes OEE (a percentage of how effective the production line is) and provides total control and visibility of the Vision system’s analytics. Subsequently, human error is eliminated, and safety is assured for swift and intelligent decision making.

It benchmarks product and scheduling data to establish set criteria for label accuracy, pack speeds and OEE standards. This information is then processed and stored locally or in a cloud-based reporting system for easy access and exporting.

Collated information reports on the Vision’s full spectrum of functionalities, covering aspects such as pack speeds, stoppages, labelling errors and faulty pack images. Quor’s software can be accessed through a user interface on an iPad, tablet or PC.

Peter Jeanes, managing qirector of Quor, said: ‘The integration of Quor with Ravenwood’s automated in-line label verification and x-ray equipment is without doubt a big step forward within the industry. The combination allows for total control of any retail packing line eradicating label errors and completely removing the possibility of human error.

‘The combination allows fully integrated label control systems from intake, through internal label rooms, and onto the production line, all verified against production plan, and validated against product specifications. No one else offers such a robust and complete solution.’

By adopting a paperless approach, factories can achieve operational benefits while supporting broader environmental and organizational goals. Many supermarket retailers are shifting to paperless processes in their factories and supply chains to promote environmental sustainability.